Algeria look to make it three wins out of three in Group C when they face the already eliminated Tanzania tonight. Here are the Three Keys to this match. Bet on the game here.
Riyad Mahrez v Mbwana Samatta
Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is Algeria’s best player and if the Desert Foxes go all the way, the 28-year-old will be instrumental. So far, he’s scored just the one goal against Kenya but overall, he’s led them quite well. Against Tanzania, a team which is yet to win, Mahrez should be on top of his game.
Meanwhile, Taifa Stars talisman Mbwana Samatta is not having the best tournament. He scored in their last match, where they lost 3-2 to Kenya. In the first match against Senegal, the Genk forward was non-existent. Tonight, with nothing to play for given his side has been eliminated, Samatta will look to leave a positive impression in this tournament.
Tanzania poor form v Algeria’s terrific form
Tanzania ended their 39-year wait to qualify for this year’s Africa Cup of Nations. However, it hasn’t been plain sailing for Emmanuel Amuneke’s men. They’ve lost their two matches in Group C. The 3-2 loss to Kenya was painful given they blew leads twice in the match. Against Algeria, they face a favourite to win it all. They’ll have to improve massively considering they’ve won only once in their last six matches.
Algeria are in another stratosphere. They’ve already qualified for the knockout round and will look to rest some of their big names. The Desert Foxes have won four of their last six matches and secured a huge 1-0 win over favourites Senegal last Thursday. This will be a chance for Djamel Belmadi to experiment as they prepare for the Round of 16.
Algeria’s lethal attack v Tanzania defensive struggles.
1990 AFCON champions Algeria have failed to score in just once in their last ten matches. With the good attacking players in their ranks, like Yacine Brahimi and Baghdad Bounedjah, the Desert Foxes rarely have a problem scoring goals. Moreover, they’ll want to avoid losing this match since the top spot in the group may get them an easier fixture in the knockout stage.
Meanwhile, Tanzania have struggled at the back. They twice blew the lead in their last match against Kenya, a game which was the last nail in the coffin for their AFCON campaign. Taifa Stars have kept just one clean sheet in their last six matches. Given they’ve already been eliminated, they will want to leave the tournament on a high. If they are to get anything from against the Algerians, they’ll have to tighten up at the back. Can they do it?